But will Fantastic Beasts pay the price for not listening to its audience?

Advertisement

Advertisement

Once a Hollywood giant, Depp’s casting made sense back in late 2015, when the film was being shot.

However, by November 2016 his reveal at the end of the first film, as the true identity of a character played by Colin Farrell, left a lot of audience members wincing – especially given the allegations of assault that had emerged in the months between the film wrapping and being released.

Bad timing is one thing, but the sequel, which presumably centers around Grindlewald, has led to Yates and Rowling, who is the film’s screenwriter, to answer some awkward questions.

Rowling stood by the casting, pointing to Depp and Heard’s joint statement following their 2016 court settlement, which expressed a desire to move on.

Yates was less delicate, stating in an interview that ‘it seems to me there was one person who took a pop at him and claimed something. I can only tell you about the man I see every day: He’s full of decency and kindness, and that’s all I see.’

While no doubt sincere remarks, the dismissal of public concern in the light of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements, this shows a remarkable flippancy.

For Fantastic Beasts to ignore the concern of its fans and openly defend the casting is an odd move, leaving questions as to how many people may be put off on seeing the film as a result.

Equally troubling is the attitude towards the portrayal of Albus Dumbledore’s sexuality. In the past, Rowling has expressed that the character is gay, and at one point in love with Grindelwald.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Though it’s been implied this may be revealed in later films, fans have seen the decision to not include the information as a move to appeal to more conservative audiences.

(Picture: Warner Bros)

These frictions between fans and filmmakers happen frequently in the Hollywood industry, but the disconnect seems particularly troubling for the Harry Potter universe.

It is in itself a brand, a treasured mythology with the love of its fans at the very core. The books and movies have brought great success to platforms like Pottermore, inspired plays and tourist destinations, and created communities of like-minded people.

These people join fandoms because they feel like they belong.

The magical world that Rowling has created, started with a boy who felt like an outcast and who was drawn into a world that was special.

While sticking to their guns might make financial sense, there will be many fans who will feel excluded from this new chapter of the world they love so much.

For now, the makers of Fantastic Beasts and the fans seem to have come out on different sides.

For better or for worse, fan power rules in Hollywood (just ask the makers of Star Wars), and making some fans feel unwelcome before the film is even released could very well result in a less than magical box office return.